Dream destinations: Real places that inspired settings in animated family movies
When you watch your beloved animated family movies, you might wish that the dreamy landscapes and gorgeous destinations portrayed in them were real, so you could visit on your next vacation. While there’s no way to travel to Neverland or study at Monsters University, plenty of the enchanting locations in your favorite animated movies are based on real places!
If you are looking for dreamlike landscapes while traveling in 2024, you could do worse than base your travel plans around these amazing vacation destinations. From the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands to the picturesque French countryside, here are a few of the dream destinations that inspired settings in some of the most beloved family movies around.
Scotland’s Highlands – “Brave”
Disney-Pixar’s “Brave” is set deliberately and explicitly in a fantasy version of Scotland, and you and your family can recreate Merida’s adventures in the lush forests, rolling hills, rugged mountains, and sparkling lochs of the Highlands. From the dramatic coastline and high peaks of the Isle of Skye to the looming gothic drama of Eilean Donan castle, a Scottish Highland vacation is a great idea for lovers of high fantasy and the great outdoors.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France – “Tangled”
The eye-catching island city of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, is a visually stunning spot, so it is no surprise that it has inspired fantastical locations, one of which is the Kingdom of Corona in Disney’s “Tangled”. Accessible only at certain times of the day by a sunken causeway, it is straight out of a fairytale, with cobbled streets, medieval alleyways, and a dramatic abbey at its center.
Colmar, France – “Beauty and the Beast”
Colmar in the Alsace region is a quintessential slice of rural France, and its beauty and charm inspired the gorgeous tale of “Beauty and the Beast”, unforgettably brought to life by Disney. With its winding cobbled streets, impeccably preserved historic architecture, tree-lined canals, and beautiful half-timbered houses, it exudes fairytale charm from every pore.
Angel Falls, Venezuela – “Up”
Paradise Falls in Pixar’s “Up” was directly inspired by one of the world’s most dramatic and incredible natural wonders, Angel Falls in Venezuela. This stunning cascade is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, a tumbling, glittering torrent of pure energy, and one of the most dramatic natural landmarks around. Situated deep in the heart of the Canaima National Park and backed by the towering peaks of the Auyán-Tepuí mountain, the falls have an ethereal, almost alien quality that was perfectly captured in the film. Tourists can take a boat to the base of the falls or a scenic flight above them, as well as taking advantage of the great hiking trails in the rest of the national park.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany – “Sleeping Beauty”
Given that many of the stories in Disney’s canon come from middle European fairy tales, it is hardly surprising that the soaring spires of the iconic castle in “Sleeping Beauty” were inspired by a real-life location. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, is a true fairy-tale fortress, a weird and wonderful spot perched on a hill surrounded by deep, dark forests and overlooking the Hohenschwangau valley. Built by King Ludwig II ‘the Mad’, its unusual design makes it perfect for fantasy adventures.
While part of the joy of animated family movies is getting lost in the fantasy and magic of the stories, the chance to visit real-life fairytale destinations is something not to be missed. Visiting these dream destinations allows you and your family to step into the magical worlds of your favorite movies and re-enact the adventures of Merida, Belle, or Princess Aurora.
This article is written in collaboration with a partner.